It really depends on what time you go and which aloft you are in. If you check in during the day there isn't a crowd, but at night there might be a lot of people in the lobby. The Alofts that I have stayed at have bars/lounges in their lobbies so guest come down there in the afternoon and evening to hangout.

They're more unique than normal hotel chains. The one I went to near Los Angeles had a bar area and cafe in the lobby. The rooms were nicely decorated and the bathroom had a glass vessel sink and nice stall shower.